Programs
Throughout the duration of MCMP events, programs and/or classes, there are opportunities for photographic and video coverage by MCMP which may include your participation or observance of the activity. MCMP reserves the right to use the photos and video at its discretion for media coverage and promotional materials, including broadcasts, reports, publications, social media and marketing materials of MCMP. If you do not wish to be photographed or video recorded at the event, please let the photographer or videographer know prior to being photographed or videotaped. MCMP shall otherwise assume that it has your permission to photograph or video you and/or your child's involvement and participation in this activity. If you have any questions, please contact the Community Engagement Department at 330.702.3000 ext. 120.
Great Backyard Bird Count at Ford Nature Center
It's the Great Backyard Bird Count! Come to Ford Nature Center and help us identify and count the birds at Nancy's Nook and around the trails. Have you wanted to get into birding, but don't know where to start? A Park Educator and volunteers will be on site throughout the day to share tips on identification, using binoculars, and much more. No registration required. No pets. FREESaturday, February 13, 2027, 10 am-4:30 pm
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center
Coffee With the Birds: Bird Voices
From honks and whistles to chirps and hoots, birds have incredible voices. This month our mini lesson focuses on the how and why of the extreme diversity of bird sounds. After our lesson, head over to Nancy's Nook for some guided indoor bird watching with an included hot beverage. Register/pay by 2/12 online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. Ages 8+. $5 per personSunday, February 14, 2027, 8:30-9:30 am
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom A (upstairs)
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom A (upstairs)
Nature Center Story Time and Show and Tell
Come hear a wild tale read aloud by a Park Educator in the Ford Nature Center Exhibit Hall at 11:00AM. After story time, use your senses to explore a selection of nests, animal skulls, and other fascinating biofacts. Found something in nature you need help identifying? Curious minds of all ages are encouraged to bring something to Show and Tell! Story time recommended for ages 4-8. No registration required. Walk-in only. FREESunday, February 14, 2027, 11 am-12:30 pm
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center
Walk with a Geologist: Sweetheart Hike
In celebration of Valentine's Day, grab your favorite people and enjoy a hike around Lake Cohasset together. Enjoy views of green hemlocks, Pioneer Pavilion, the Suspension Bridge and much more! Moderate to difficult 2 to 3-mile hike with slight grades and some steps. Meet at the Ford Nature Center Parking lot (840 Old Furnace Road). Dress for the weather; hiking boots recommended. In the event of inclement weather, an alternative date will be provided. Registration required. Register by 2/12, online or call 330.740.7107 ext. 129. No pets. FREESunday, February 14, 2027, Noon -2 pm
Ford Nature Center parking lot
Ford Nature Center parking lot
Throwback Thursday: Birch Hill Cabin & Lily Pond
Did you know that Volney Rogers once stayed in a cabin on the property of Birch Hill Cabin? Or that the Lily Pond was the first man-made body of water in Mill Creek Park? Join a Park Educator to learn about the history and stories of the Birch Hill area while enjoying a warm beverage (coffee, tea, and hot chocolate provided). Registration required. Register/pay by 2/16, online or call 330.740.7107 ext. 129. Recommended for adults. No walk-ins. No pets. $5 per personThursday, February 18, 2027, 6:30-7:30 pm
Birch Hill Cabin
Birch Hill Cabin
February Full Moon Hike
Join Park staff for a moon-lit evening hike on the night of the February Snow Moon. Meet MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at the MetroParks Farm. Be prepared for a 1 to 2-mile walk along the MetroParks Bikeway. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight if you have one. (A limited number of small flashlights will be available.) In the event of inclement weather, an alternative date will be provided. Register/pay by 2/18, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. Ages 12+. No walk-ins. No pets. $5 per personSaturday, February 20, 2027, 5:30-7 pm
MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead
MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead
Coffee With the Birds: Bird Voices
From honks and whistles to chirps and hoots, birds have incredible voices. This month our mini lesson focuses on the how and why of the extreme diversity of bird sounds. After our lesson, head over to Nancy's Nook for some guided indoor bird watching with an included hot beverage. Register/pay by 2/1, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. Ages 8+. $5 per person.Sunday, February 21, 2027, 8:30-9:30 am
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom A (upstairs)
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom A (upstairs)
Creature Feature: Family Owl Pellet Dissection
Learn about the secretive world of owls! Bring the family to enjoy an educational, interactive program about Northeast Ohio's owls. Then, dissect an owl pellet and get up close in personal with an owl's lunch. One owl pellet will be provided per participant over the age of 6. Register/pay by 2/19, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. No pets. $5Sunday, February 21, 2027, Noon -1 pm
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom B (downstairs)
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom B (downstairs)
Science Class (For Adults!): Owl Pellet Dissection
Why let the kids have all the fun? The Science Class series invites ages 18+ to dig in to their natural curiosity and explore the living world with a Park Educator through hands on learning. Think of a seventh grade science class for adults! This season we're focusing on owls. Take a hike into known barred owl habitat to look for signs of these stealthy predators. Then warm up inside with a mini lecture on owls while you sip coffee and cocoa. We'll finish up our owl adventure by dissecting owl pellets and classifying the bones of their prey. Register/pay by 2/19, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. No pets. $5Sunday, February 21, 2027, 2-4 pm
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom A (upstairs)
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom B (downstairs)
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom A (upstairs)
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom B (downstairs)